SARASOTA, Fla. – Dan Duquette boarded a flight to Tampa early Sunday afternoon. Joining him were a few members of the Orioles front office. When Duquette arrives at work on Monday morning, he’ll no doubt be pleased to find many members of the Orioles already working out.

Manager Buck Showalter arrived in Sarasota early last week. Pitchers and catchers aren’t technically supposed to report until Tuesday and position players until Friday, but with so many on hand, Showalter may be forced to hold some of their eagerness back.

It’s a good problem to have.

Last year, nearly all of the position players reported ahead of schedule, and with spring training elongated because of the World Baseball Classic, you might think players would want to report later.

Adam Jones will arrive today, he tweeted last week. He’ll be one of those leaving camp for a few weeks to play with the U.S. team in the World Baseball Classic.

Pedro Strop will leave too, to play for the Dominican Republic and Luis Ayala is listed on Mexico’s roster though there’s some thought he won’t. Two minor league catchers will leave, too.

About 60 players are scheduled to sign in this week, and it will be interested to see if any don’t make it. Last year, pitcher Danys Reyes didn’t show because of an injury and catcher Ronny Paulino was tardy because a drug suspension delayed his entry into the U.S. His car made it well before he did.

Seven weeks of work, and some fun, too begin on Tuesday morning.

NOTE:

-Kevin Gregg, who the Orioles released last September, signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.